The 7 million dirham “Education and Knowledge” initiative is an exciting opportunity for educational institutions in Abu Dhabi to showcase their excellence and innovative practices. This program, organized by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, encourages schools and nurseries to participate in recognizing outstanding achievements within the education sector. With applications open until February 28, 2024, the awards highlight the vital role of education in sustainable development while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge has urged schools, nurseries, and educational sector employees in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to participate in the third edition of the Education and Knowledge Awards for 2025/2026. Applications opened on October 30 and will close on February 28. The awards honor exceptional achievements and impactful initiatives in schools and early education institutions in Abu Dhabi. In this third edition, these awards celebrate excellence in education and overall school performance.
Awards Categories and Importance
The department noted that these awards hold particular significance for parents, as they highlight outstanding achievements within the educational community, ranging from small daily successes to large impactful initiatives. They also celebrate the positive impact of individuals and educational programs. The awards emphasize the central role of education and learning in achieving sustainable development and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
Evolution of Structure and Categories
The categories of the awards have seen notable growth in previous editions, starting with 11 categories, increasing to 16 in the second edition, and reaching 21 categories in this year’s third edition. The number of participants rose from 288 in the first edition to 515 in the third edition, with expectations for an increase in submissions as the nomination period closes. The number of winners in the second edition increased from 288 to 515.
Awards Details
The department clarified that the total number of award categories for this edition is 21, with a total prize value of 7 million dirhams. Eligible participants include public and private schools, educational partnership schools, and nurseries. The awards encompass a variety of categories, such as Best Practices for Parental Engagement, Inclusive Education Practices, and Student Well-being Programs.
Expansion of Categories and Opportunities
This year’s awards show significant development compared to the previous two editions, particularly in expanding the recognition categories to include schools, teachers, and early education institutions. Additionally, the value of the awards is reinvested in initiatives that contribute to the development of learning environments and enhance the quality of educational practices. Some winning schools, such as Abu Dhabi International Private School and Mayor Private School, have demonstrated their ability to create innovative educational environments that support special educational needs.